January 27, 2019

North Bethesda Middle School

News and Notes

NORTH BETHESDA MIDDLE SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS

1/28 No School for Students – Professional Day for Teachers 1/30 Boys Basketball v. Frost (home) Girls away)

1/31 5th Grade Parent Night for Rising 6th Graders attending NBMS in 2019-2020

2/5 Girls Basketball v. Cabin John (home) Girls (away)

2/5 Outdoor Education Chaperone meeting 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (finger printing available from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

2/15 Coffee with the Counselors 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Media Center 2/22 HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE SEMINAR FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS. 6 – 7:30

p.m. Click here for EVENT FLYER

Savetje

SAVE March 15, 2019 PTSA Skate Night at Cabin John Skating Rink – 8:15 – 9:45 p.m. More information to come. For questions, please contact Marla Hollander, VP Student Enrichment, MarHollander@aol.com

Dear North Bethesda Family: A reminder to parents in the drop off, please, please, please pull up as far as you can and once you have dropped off your child, please do not linger. We have long lines (especially on rainy days) and some students are late because cars are held up behind one car that isn’t moving along. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Also please remember that attendance is very important. We have seen an uptick in unexcused absences. I know we all want to go somewhere warm for a few days this time of year, but our attendance is correlated to student achievement, and actually, a portion of the point system for the new Maryland rating system for schools is our rate of attendance for students!

Some of the fun STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) happenings at NBMS this week: Ms. Wolfinger’s class participated in her #SkypeaScientist

experience. Ms. Wolfinger shared, “Morgan E. O’Neill answered NBMS students’ questions about Jupiter, weather on the planets, and even graciously confirmed the correct pronunciation of Uranus!” Mr. Tin’s 7th grade students engaged in the egg drop challenge to test their engineering skills, 7th grade science students dissected frogs, and Mr. Brown’s 6th grade general music rotation classes sang beautifully for their final performance. Huge congratulations to 6th grader, Meley Ghermay, who, with encouragement from Mrs. Lutchenkov, applied to a free 9-week STEM program at NIH and she was selected and will attend. She had to apply and write an essay as part of the application process explaining her interest in science. She is also participating in the new STEM academy at NBMS sponsored by Ms. Boeckl and Ms. Montello.

COFFEE WITH THE COUNSELORS

The next Coffee with the Counselors will be held on February 15, 2019 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mr. Vincent Devivo from the Attorney General’s office will be presenting. He will share information about how best to protect young people from negative and criminal influences online. Topics include social networking, cyber bullying, sexting, and internet predators. The program provides prevention and intervention strategies and internet safety resources.

NBMS SERVICE PROJECTS

One of the things I have loved about my time at North Bethesda is seeing how generous and thoughtful the students and parent community are. This community knows the value of service! We have several opportunities for students to “give back” and some of them are super fun. See below!

PENNIES FOR PATIENTS

North Bethesda Middle School is participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients Campaign During the month of February we will be running multiple fundraisers to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients Campaign. All money raised during the campaign goes to supporting patients of blood cancers with treatment and supplies. Many of the patients are children and teenagers. Get ready to have fun helping others! Students are urged to join in the February Fun!

Hats ON Against Cancer Pay $1 to wear a hat in school on Fridays in February

Fridays, February 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd are Hat Days Candy-Grams

Purchase a Heart Lollipop and write a note to send to your friends for Valentine’s Day. $1 Each, Buy 5 - Get 1 Free

Candy-Grams will be sold at lunch starting February 4th and delivered to classrooms on Thursday, February 14th.

Penny Wars in S.O.A.R.R.

All month S.O.A.R.R. classes will be competing against each other to see who can collect the most change (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars). The top class at each grade level will select someone to “Pie You’re

AP” and the top class overall will win a pizza party. Donate Online

Visit the NBMS Website, click on the Pennies for Patients link and contribute to our campaign. Even better, ask your employer to match your donation. All donations are tax deductible.

These activities are sponsored by the NB Counseling Department and all proceeds will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients Campaign.

Please consider helping with our Pennies for Patients Candy-Gram Sales at one of our grade-level lunches. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e44a4af29a6fc1-pennies1Let’s

top last year and raise over $2500!

NBMS Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project:

We are still collecting the following items to contribute to Wider Circle. The drive will take place from January 22 through February 4th. Please send in items with your children if you can.

Wish List from Wider Circle: ● 1 Full-Sized Bottle of Laundry Detergent ● 1 Full-Sized Bottle of Dish Soap

● 1 Full-Sized Bottle of All-Purpose Cleaner ● 1 Large Tube of Toothpaste

● 1 toothbrush for each family member - every other month

● 1 Full-Sized Bottle of Lotion - extra moisturizing always preferred

● 1 Full-Sized Bottle of Shampoo - one for textured hair highly preferred

● 1 Full-Sized Bottle of Conditioner - one for textured hair highly preferred

● 1 Full-Sized Bottle of body wash (1 additional bottle for households of 5 or more) OR 1 Bar of

Soap per person in the household (Dove or a high moisturizing soap preferred )

● 1 4-pack of Toilet Paper (add 1 additional roll for each additional person in families of 5 or more)

● 1 Deodorant per person - gender neutral brand with minimal scent preferred

In addition, we offer the following based on need in the household: ● Diapers or pull-ups ● Baby wipes ● Feminine hygiene products (sanitary pads only)

Please note: If our community donates travel size toiletries or anything else that is not on the list above there are other charities that will accept these types of donations.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE

The main office staff asked me to share the following with parents/guardians:

In the afternoon, we receive a high volume of requests from parents who are either picking up a student or sending a message to them. Often, this occurs during the last 20 minutes of the school day. We want to accommodate these requests and ask for your help to ensure a more efficient process. See below for some helpful practices:

Please send a note with your child in the morning requesting that he/she be in the office at the time you would like to leave. The student will get a pass, which is then presented to the appropriate teacher at the appropriate time. The child will come to the main office. You can sign them out and off you go! This is especially helpful during the lunch time.

A similar strategy can help with your child remembering after school schedules – write a note and put it in the Student Handbook.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS/LINKS: Attendance Note

SSL coordinator: Carla_A_Jurewicz@mcpsmd.org.

Bullying and Harassment reporting form. Form 230-35

Grade Level News

MYMCPS Parent Portal Resources MYMCPS Overview

MYMCPS PORTAL GUIDE

Portal Resources In Spanish

Cyberbullying

Safe Schools Hotline and Information: safeschoolsmd.org/.

MCPS has created a new webpage to celebrate the good news about the district’s great students, staff, and schools. What’s Good, MCPS stories are collected from social media, MCPS community and staff newsletters, local media, and more. You can also join in the conversation and tell us about the great things you are seeing in MCPS by using the hashtag #WhatsGoodMCPS on social media or by submitting the following form when you hear about other good news: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyax02sFuOLtrFkdSzBmH7JLPfgY-HIST3uE1p_FyWvgWSjA/viewform. The webpage will be updated regularly so check back frequently.

8TH GRADE T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST RULES (FLYER ATTACHED)

8th Graders are invited to submit a design for their commemorative tee-shirt.

Entries must: ○ be original student art. ○ contain the year “2019”, the entire name of the school (North Bethesda Middle School)

or the acronym (NBMS), and a reference to 8th grade. ○ be on standard size 8.5 x 11inch white paper. ○ be in black ink only. No photocopies. (Tip: sketch in pencil then trace in ink)

○ Be school appropriate/related theme

○ When complete, print the 8th grade student’s name and history teacher’s name on the

back of the entry.

Submit your entry (inside a sealed envelope) to the front office in the box labeled “Place T-Shirt Designs Here”. Entries must be submitted in main office by 3pm on March 1

Questions? Contact Ms. Kelley at Megan_G_Kelley@mcpsmd.org

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Coach Leffler shared, “This week the NB Phoenixes played two very competitive games. On Tuesday, the boys traveled to Westland Middle School, where they took on the Wildcats. The team came out ready to go, and were excited for the start of the game. Westland played a strong second quarter and created a deficit that the NB team nearly overcame in the second half. The Phoenixes played the best half of the season, up until that point, making it difficult for Westland to control the ball or get a shot off. On Thursday the team hosted the undefeated Pyle Panthers, and put forth a phenomenal effort. The basketball team played their most complete game of the year, and everyone made big contributions throughout the game. The team gave it their all for the entire 24-minute game, pushing Pyle to give their best back. The team ultimately came up just short, but should hold their heads up high for the incredible performance they put on for the home crowd. Thank you again goes to the best student section in MCPS for their support!”

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Coach Elmer shared, ‘“On Tuesday, the North Bethesda girls’ basketball team hosted Westland Middle School for a battle on the basketball court. Yasmin Gorham came to the game with personal motivation to play against her former school and team. Yasmin did not disappoint, playing with intensity, yet the upmost respect for her peers turned opponents. Elizabeth Sansbury again led the offense for North Bethesda. Reliable as always, Katie Martin had tremendous ball control in the face of pressure from the Westland team. The game was intense and North

Bethesda pulled to within 3 points in the final three minutes. However, the Westland girls proved to be just a bit too solid as the North Bethesda girls fell to Westland by a score of 41-34.”

GEOGRAPHY BEE Thank you to Mr. Kling and our amazing social studies department for running the GEOBEE. Congratulations to our GEOGRAPHY Bee finalist who will compete to participate in the qualifying test for the Maryland State Geography Bee is

Victor Thaxton (8th grade) Note: He also won in 6th grade! Amazing!!!

Results of the Qualifying Test will be posted on the State GeoBee sites by March 4, 2019.

YEARBOOKS

Please order your child’s yearbook as soon as possible so we can have an accurate count . You may now order your yearbook at https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/ using ID #10235719. Yearbooks are only sold online; NBMS does not order extra books to be sold at school. When you order a yearbook, you will be emailed a receipt; please keep this receipt until books are distributed the last week of school. If you have pictures of NBMS students at school events that you would like to submit to the yearbook, please email them to Ms. Wolfinger at maryellen.wolfinger@mcpsmd.net.

HOMEWORK HELP

Homework Help will run one day a week until the second half of the 3rd quarter. . We will be running it three days per week for the second half of each quarter (starting on interim day or the Tuesday thereafter). It will be every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3:15 to 4:15 pm, in D207. Students can stop by any day they want. Students can take the activity bus back to your neighborhood. Please consider having your student take advantage of this opportunity.

Giant A+ School Rewards Program

Please sign up for Giant A+ School Rewards Program to support our school

How Do Parents/Guardians Community Members Sign Up

Locate your 12-digit Giant card number found on the back of your card. Visit https://giantfood.com/aplus and select “register your card,” located in the box at the top

right of the webpage. Follow the prompts to complete the registration, or call the A+ School Rewards Hotline at 1-877-275-2758 for assistance.

If you have a Giant card but do not know your 12-digit card number, call the Giant card hotline at 1-877-366-2668 and select Option #1.

If you need a Giant card, please visit your local store or visit giantfood.com

MCPS NEWS THIS WEEK

Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget Virtual Presentation In case you missed it, you can still watch the superintendent’s virtual community conversation on the Fiscal Year 2020 recommended operating budget online at

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget/.

During the December 18 discussion, Superintendent Jack R. Smith, MCPS staff, and community partners answered questions on the budget and stressed the importance of its focus on student classrooms and schools, including the key bodies of work: improving programs; increasing access to strong academic and career opportunities; extending learning; providing language opportunities; focusing on physical, social and psychological well-being; hiring and retaining an effective and diverse workforce; and strengthening operational excellence.

Now that Dr. Smith has presented his recommendation, the timeline for the FY 2020 Operating Budget is as follows:

January 9 and January 14, 2019: Board of Education holds operating budget hearings

January 16, 2019: State releases budget

January 17 and 24, 2019: Board of Education holds operating budget work sessions

February 12, 2019: Board takes action on the recommended operating budget

For more information, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget/.

Presentación Virtual del Presupuesto Operativo para el Año Fiscal 2020 Por si se lo perdió, usted todavía puede ver en línea la conversación virtual del superintendente con la comunidad sobre el presupuesto operativo recomendado para el Año Fiscal 2020, ingresando a www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget/.

Durante la conversación del 18 de diciembre, el Superintendente Jack R. Smith, personal de MCPS y socios de la comunidad respondieron preguntas sobre el presupuesto y recalcaron la importancia de su concentración en los salones de clase de los estudiantes y en las escuelas, incluyendo principales cuerpos de trabajo: mejorar programas; aumentar el acceso a sólidas oportunidades académicas y profesionales, ampliar el aprendizaje; proveer oportunidades para idiomas; concentrarse en el bienestar físico, social y psicológico; contratar y conservar una fuerza laboral eficaz y diversa; y fortalecer la excelencia operativa.

Ahora que el Dr. Smith ha presentado su recomendación, la cronología del presupuesto operativo para el Año Fiscal 2020 es la siguiente:

9 y 14 de enero, 2019: el Consejo de Educación lleva a cabo audiencias sobre el presupuesto operativo

16 de enero, 2019: el estado publica el presupuesto

17 y 24 de enero, 2019: El Consejo de Educación lleva a cabo sesiones de trabajo sobre el presupuesto operativo

12 de febrero, 2019: el Consejo de Educación adopta medidas sobre el presupuesto operativo recomendado

Para más información, visite www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget/.

Winter 2019 Parent Academy Schedule

The MCPS Parent Academy offers parents/guardians and community members the opportunity to attend workshops that provide information, resources, tools, and tips to support their children’s success in school. The 2019 winter season of workshops has begun. You won’t want to miss sessions on mindfulness, college and career planning, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) resources and much more.

Parent Academy workshops are free. Childcare and interpretation services are provided at all sessions. \

A full list of courses is available on the Parent Academy website www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/. Registration is available here.

Calendario de Invierno 2019 de la Academia para Padres La Academia para Padres de MCPS ofrece a los padres/guardianes y miembros de la comunidad la oportunidad de asistir a talleres que proveen información, recursos, herramientas y consejos para apoyar el éxito escolar de sus hijos. La temporada de talleres del invierno 2019 ha comenzado. Usted no querrá perderse las sesiones sobre consciencia plena, planificación universitaria y profesional, recursos de inglés para personas que hablan otros idiomas (English for Speakers of Other Languages–ESOL) y muchos temas más.

Los talleres de la Academia para Padres son gratuitos. En todas las reuniones se proveerá servicio de cuidado infantil e interpretación de idiomas. Una lista completa de los talleres está a disposición en el sitio web de la Academia para Padres www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/. Puede inscribirse aquí.

HBCU Fair Set for February 22

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on February 22 at the Universities at Shady Grove, Building 3, 9640 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. All high school students and their parents/guardians are invited to participate. Dozens of colleges and universities will be present to talk to parents, guardians and students about their programs and several will conduct on-the-spot admissions interviews for high school seniors. You can register and view more information at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/familysupport/hbcu/.

Feria de HBCU Programada para el 22 de Febrero

La Feria de Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) tendrá lugar el 22 de febrero, en The Universities at Shady Grove, Building 3, 9640 Gudelsky Drive, en Rockville. Todos los estudiantes de las escuelas secundarias y sus padres/guardianes están invitados a participar. Docenas de colegios universitarios y universidades estarán presentes para hablar con los padres, guardianes y con los estudiantes acerca de sus programas y varios estarán haciendo entrevistas de admisión al instante para estudiantes del Grado 12. Usted puede inscribirse y ver más información ingresando a www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/familysupport/hbcu/.

Upcoming County Education Budget Meetings Parents/guardians and members of the community are invited to join Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice, Superintendent of Schools Jack R. Smith, and Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard at upcoming Education Budget meetings scheduled for February and March. Attendees can find out how budget decisions are made, what the County is doing today to get ready for FY 2020 and beyond, and the opportunities residents have to influence budget decisions.

The meetings will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations:

February 20, Neelsville Middle School, 11700 Neelsville Church Road in Germantown

February 27, Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School, 11800 Monticello Avenue in Silver Spring

March 6, Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road in Rockville

March 11, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway in Bethesda

March 27, Montgomery College Takoma Park Campus, 7600 Takoma Avenue in Takoma Park (Cultural Arts Center Theater 1)

The county executive will announce his Recommended FY 2019 Operating Budget in March. In April, the County Council will hold public hearings and approve the operating budget at the end of May.

Próximas Reuniones sobre el Presupuesto para la Educación

Los padres/guardianes y los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a acompañar al Concejal del Condado de Montgomery Craig Rice, al Superintendente de Escuelas Jack R. Smith y a la Presidenta de Montgomery College DeRionne Pollard durante próximas reuniones sobre el Presupuesto para la Educación programadas para febrero y marzo. Quienes asistan pueden informarse sobre cómo se toman las decisiones presupuestarias, lo que el condado está haciendo hoy para prepararse para el Año Fiscal 2020 y más adelante y las oportunidades que los residentes tienen para influenciar las decisiones presupuestarias.

Las reuniones tendrán lugar de 6:30 a 8:30 p.m., en los siguientes lugares:

20 de febrero, Neelsville Middle School, 11700 Neelsville Church Road, en Germantown

27 de febrero, Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School, 11800 Monticello Avenue, en Silver Spring

6 de marzo, Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road, en Rockville

11 de marzo, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, en Bethesda

27 de marzo, Campus de Montgomery College en Takoma Park, 7600 Takoma Avenue, en Takoma Park—Centro de Artes Culturales, Teatro 1 (Cultural Arts Center Theater 1)

En marzo, el ejecutivo del condado anunciará su Presupuesto Operativo Recomendado para el Año Fiscal 2019. En abril, el Concejo del Condado llevará a cabo audiencias públicas, y a fines de mayo aprobará el presupuesto operativo.

Nominees Sought for Annual Distinguished Service to Public Education Awards The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking nominations from the public for its 22nd Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards are sponsored by the Board to recognize and show appreciation to individuals (including students), groups and organizations that have made exemplary contributions to public education in Montgomery County. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/community/awards/ for more information. Completed nomination forms must be received in the Board of Education office by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2019.

Se Solicitan Nominaciones para los Premios Anuales por Servicio Ilustre a la Enseñanza Pública

El Consejo de Educación del Condado de Montgomery solicita nominaciones del público para sus Vigésimo Segundos Premios Anuales por Servicio Ilustre a la Educación Pública. Los premios son auspiciados por el Consejo de Educación para reconocer y agradecer las contribuciones ejemplares de individuos (incluyendo estudiantes), grupos y organizaciones a la educación pública en el Condado de Montgomery. Visite www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/community/awards/ para más información. Los formularios de nominación completados deben ser recibidos por la oficina del Consejo de Educación antes de las 5:00 p.m., del 1ro. de marzo, 2019.

Don’t Be Distracted Contest Open to Elementary and Secondary Students A Safe Kids study demonstrated that one in four high school students and one in six middle school students walk distracted. These distractions were most often texting or wearing headphones. Research also indicates that for teen drivers, a single glance off the road for two

or more seconds increases the risk of a crash or near crash by almost four times. When students are distracted while walking or driving, they are putting themselves and others in danger. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is inviting all MCPS students to help raise awareness of this critical issue by participating in the 2019 Don’t Be Distracted Contest.

Students are asked to create a 30- to 60-second public service announcement (PSA) video or artwork about one or both of the following topics:

1. Tell your peers the importance of not walking or driving distracted. 2. Tell adults the importance of not being distracted while driving, especially in school

zones.

All entries are due Monday, March 4. For more information and to submit an entry, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-PedSafety/SRTS/creative-contest.html.

Concurso "No Te Distraigas" Abierto para Estudiantes de las Escuelas Elementales y Secundarias Un estudio de Safe Kids (Niños Seguros) demostró que uno de cada cuatro estudiantes de escuela secundaria y uno de cada seis estudiantes de escuela de enseñanza media camina distraído/a. La mayoría de las veces estas distracciones se debieron a estar distraídos con mensajes de texto o por el uso de auriculares. Las investigaciones también indican que entre los adolescentes que conducen vehículos, desviar una sola vez la vista del camino por dos o más segundos aumenta casi cuatro veces el riesgo de chocar o casi chocar. Cuando los estudiantes están distraídos cuando caminan o conducen un vehículo, se ponen en riesgo ellos mismos y ponen en riesgo a otros. El Departamento de Transportes del Condado de Montgomery (Montgomery County Department of Transportation) invita a que todos los estudiantes de MCPS ayuden a crear conciencia sobre este problema crítico participando en el Concurso "No Te Distraigas" 2019.

Se pide a los estudiantes que creen un video de anuncio de servicio público (public service announcement–PSA) de entre 30 y 60 segundos, o un trabajo de arte sobre uno o ambos de los siguientes temas:

1. Háblales a tus compañeros sobre la importancia de no estar distraídos al caminar o conducir un vehículo.

2. Háblales a los adultos sobre la importancia de no distraerse al conducir un vehículo, especialmente en zonas escolares.

El plazo límite para todas las inscripciones para el concurso es el lunes, 4 de marzo. Para más información y para inscribirse en el curso, visite: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-PedSafety/SRTS/creative-contest.html.

Share Your Thoughts on Policy KBA The Montgomery County Board of Education wants to hear from the community on proposed revisions to Policy KBA, Policy on Public Information. The revised policy discusses the importance of effective communication with members of the Montgomery County community across a variety of existing and emerging media and communication channels. The revised policy also affirms the Board of Education’s commitment to following all legal obligations regarding the protection and appropriate disclosure of student and employee information. You can provide comments until March 3, 2019. For more information, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/policy-for-public-comment.aspx.

Student Transfer Application Season Begins February 1 (English and Spanish)

Parents and guardians who wish to request a Change of School Assignment (COSA) for their children from their home school may begin the process during the upcoming transfer season which begins on February 1. All COSA requests must be submitted no later than April 1.

Except for students in the Northeast Consortium (NEC), Downcounty Consortium (DCC), and Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) areas, MCPS students are assigned to a school on the basis of their place of residence or their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are expected to attend their home school. Assignment changes for students from one school to another are permitted under limited circumstances. For more information, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/transfers.

Temporada de Solicitud para Transferencias de Estudiantes Comienza el 1ro. de Febrero Los padres y guardianes que deseen solicitar un Cambio de Asignación de Escuela (Change of School Assignment–COSA) para sus hijos desde su escuela local a otra pueden iniciar el proceso durante la próxima temporada de transferencias de escuela que comienza el 1ro. de febrero. Todas las peticiones de COSA deben ser presentadas a más tardar el 1ro. de abril.

Excepto para los estudiantes en las zonas de Northeast Consortiium (NEC), Downcounty Consortium (DCC) y Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC), los estudiantes de MCPS son asignados a una escuela de acuerdo a su domicilio o de acuerdo con su Programa Educativo Individualizado (Individualized Education Program–IEP) y por lo tanto deben asistir a su escuela local. Los cambios de asignación de una escuela a otra son permitidos a los estudiantes bajo circunstancias muy limitadas. Para más información, visite www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/transfers.

Honoring Contributions to Special Education

Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to submit nominations to recognize individuals who have contributed to the success and acceptance of students with special needs. The recognitions are being given by the Special Education Committee of the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, Inc. (MCCPTA, Inc.).

Nominations are being accepted in four categories: Staff, Programs, Parents, and Students. Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged. Applications are due by Friday, March 22. Nominations can be submitted by e-mail attachment or in the body of an e-mail message to SpecialEd@mccpta.org. If you are unable to submit an electronic nomination, you may send a completed nomination form and a nominating statement, along with supporting statements, to the MCCPTA, Inc. office: Montgomery County Council of PTAs, Inc., P.O. Box 10754, Rockville, Maryland 20849.

The nomination form can be accessed at the following link: news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MCCPTA-2018-2019-Special-Education-Award-Nomination-Form.pdf.

Students Can Design Their Dream Classroom in United We Learn Contest (English and Spanish)

Montgomery County Public Schools is launching the third year of its student contest, United We Learn. This year’s contest, United We Learn: Schools of the Future, allows students to design their ideal learning space and challenges them to think critically about how their physical environment affects their ability to learn.

The contest follows a November 2018 survey that asked students and staff about how they use learning spaces at their schools, and what they would like classrooms and schools to look like in the future. Recurring elements mentioned in the survey feedback included considerations regarding color, lighting, furniture, technology, and security. That feedback will be used to support the continuous improvement of our educational facilities. The contest tasks students to consider these same elements as they design their vision of what an ideal learning space might look like in the future. By participating in this contest, students may also have the ability to help influence future design. More details are available on the contest website: montgomeryschoolsmd.org/events/unitedwelearn/.

Los Estudiantes Pueden Diseñar el Aula de Sus Sueños en el Concurso Unidos Aprendemos Montgomery County Public Schools está dando inicio al tercer año de su concurso para estudiantes, Unidos Aprendemos (United We Learn). El concurso de este año, Unidos Aprendemos: Las Escuelas del Futuro (United We Learn: Schools of the Future), permite a los estudiantes diseñar su entorno de aprendizaje ideal y los desafía a pensar de manera crítica sobre cómo su ambiente físico afecta su capacidad de aprender.

El concurso sigue a una encuesta realizada en noviembre 2018 que les preguntaba a los estudiantes y al personal acerca de cómo ellos usan los espacios de aprendizaje en sus escuelas, y cómo les gustaría que fueran sus salones de clase y sus escuelas en el futuro. Los elementos recurrentes mencionados en las respuestas a la encuesta incluyeron consideraciones

relacionadas con color, luz, muebles, tecnología y seguridad. Esos comentarios/sugerencias serán utilizados para apoyar el mejoramiento continuo de nuestras instalaciones educativas. El concurso asigna a los estudiantes la tarea de considerar estos mismos elementos al diseñar su visión de cómo sería el espacio ideal para el aprendizaje en el futuro. Al participar en este concurso, los estudiantes también tienen la capacidad de ayudar a influenciar los diseños futuros. Hay más detalles disponibles en la página web del concurso: montgomeryschoolsmd.org/events/unitedwelearn/.

Restorative Justice Workshops Set for February 5 and April 2 (English and Spanish)

Parents, guardians, and community members are invited to attend a workshop on Tuesday, February 5, at Julius West Middle School, and on Tuesday, April 2, at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to learn more about the district’s restorative justice vision and how this social justice platform allows students to actively engage and problem-solve physical, psychological, and disciplinary issues that affect their lives and the community. More information can be found here.

Talleres sobre Justicia Restaurativa Programados para el 5 de Febrero y el 2 de Abril Se invita a los padres, guardianes y miembros de la comunidad a que asistan a un taller el martes, 5 de febrero, en Julius West Middle School, y el martes, 2 de abril, en A. Mario Loiederman Middle School, de 6:30 a 8:30 p.m., para conocer más acerca de la visión del distrito escolar sobre la justicia restaurativa y cómo esta plataforma de justicia social permite a los estudiantes participar activamente y resolver problemas físicos, psicológicos y disciplinarios que afectan sus vidas y la comunidad. Se puede encontrar más información aquí.

Community Conversations on the Future of High School Programs (English and Spanish)

MCPS is holding a series of community conversations with Chief Academic Officer Maria V. Navarro to discuss the future of high school programs. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss what high school programs MCPS should offer in the future to best support college and career readiness. Staff, students, parents, guardians, and members of the community are invited to attend. The forums are scheduled for:

Monday, February 11, Clarksburg High School, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 8, Richard Montgomery High School, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Register online at mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/community-conversation/.

Conversaciones con la Comunidad sobre Programas Futuros en las Escuelas Secundarias MCPS está llevando a cabo una serie de conversaciones entre la comunidad y Maria V. Navarro, Jefa de Asuntos Académicos (Chief Academic Officer), para hablar sobre el futuro de los programas en las escuelas secundarias. Quienes asistan tendrán la oportunidad de hablar sobre qué programas debería ofrecer en el futuro MCPS en las escuelas secundarias para

apoyar de mejor manera la preparación para la universidad y para carreras. El personal, estudiantes, padres, guardianes y miembros de la comunidad están todos invitados a asistir. Los foros han sido programados para los días:

Lunes, 11 de febrero, Clarksburg High School, 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. Lunes, 8 de abril, Richard Montgomery High School, 6:30 a 8:30 p.m.

Inscríbase en línea en: mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/community-conversation/.

Have a fantastic week!

Respectfully,

AnneMarie Kestner Smith, Ed.D.

Principal North Bethesda Middle School

North Bethesda Middle School Website

Follow me on Twitter @NBMSPrincipal